For that young reader who is hankering for a chapter book but not a heavy one with fine print, this makes a fun way to transition into the next stage of reading. It's a light adventure story featuring Pigsticks who wants to reach the ends of the earth and return safely and his innocent assistant, Harold, a hamster whose love for cake leads him to a job he never wanted. Told in breezy language, this just might make a reluctant reader less so. 2nd grade & up.

Age: Early School Years.
Award Year: 2014.
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When the farmer put Scarecrow in the field, Otis, the tractor and his animal friends cannot get the frown off Scarecrows painted face, no matter how they try. After a while they stop trying and go about the business of the farm until one cold rainy day. Otis, seeing the Scarecrow all alone takes pity on him and decides to sit in the rain alongside him. The others follow Otis' example and in the process, Otis is almost certain he sees Scarecrow smile. A warm and lovely story about friendship and caring. 5 & up.

Age: Early School Years.
Award Year: 2014.
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Joe has been invited to a party, but he lost the invitation and while they walk the block trying to discover the right house, Joe is besieged with the what-if jitters. Kids will relate to many of his worries as they step out into the bigger world. As always, Anthony Brown's far-out illustrations will be amusing to some but off-putting for others, since they picture a world that is even scarier than Joe's what if's. 6 & up

Age: Early School Years.
Award Year: 2014.
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The longings of a Guinea Pig as told by Titch who longs for a Big Person and a home of his own. An original and amusing way of telling a familiar tale by switching the point of view to the pet who longs for a boy. Sheena Dempsey's light and humorous telling goes hand in hand with her amusing illustrations. For anyone who has longed for a pet, this is a breezy and entertaining tale. 4-7

Age: Preschool, Early School Years.
Award Year: 2014.
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Great for hamming it up with exaggerated sneezes or near-sneezes as you read this silly story about Chu, a little panda with a mighty big sneeze. Originally published in hardcover, the book is now in a sturdy board book, the kind of format usually done for infants and toddlers. This is a story for older preschoolers who will get the humor of the finale. You have to know the difference between real and make believe to get the joke. Save this for 4-8.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years.
Award Year: 2014.
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How do animals learn? They don't go to school or have books. In a charming and informative book, they learn from their teachers, their mothers, fathers and sometimes the herd they live with in the great outdoor classroom of the world. Each new idea is followed with interactive questions that give children a chance to make the connections between their world and how they learn.

Playing a pretend game in the park, Zoe has just five minutes before she has to go home. For the child listener and page turner there is the lively imagined world of Zoe's chase, punctuated with related but realistic reminders that time for play is almost up. A lively romp with delightful action packed illustrations. 4 & up

Fritz has been looking forward to turning five, yet when the big day arrives he doesn't feel all that different. Of course, since this is a picturebook there is that moment tucked in at the end to make the story complete, yet, perhaps the bigger story is how many children will relate to the real moments of truth, when nothing feels all that different. It's a good story for talking about the typical impatient feelings kids have and their need for tangible proof that they are growing up in so many ways that can't always be measured in inches or candles on the cake.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years.
Award Year: 2014.
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With humor and straightforward answers to some silly questions, this little book will answer questions children have about why they may need eyeglasses. Of the several titles in this series, this one is the most informative.

Age: Early School Years.
Award Year: 2014.
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With handsome photographs in full color, Tiger follows a family of cubs and their mother from first wobbly stage to ready to leave home full-grown tigers. Without overwhelming young listeners or readers with information, this book and a companion book, Elephant capture the everyday events in the lives of young tigers and elephants.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years.
Award Year: 2014.
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